Chapter 89.
Counterpoint.
(Scott POV)
I was on the Bridge as we were at Red alert.
"The Devore ships are assuming a tactical formation," Chakotay said.
"Shields up," I said. "Standby weapons just in case. Bridge to Transporter Room, Status,"
"All set here, Captain, Pattern cohesion looks stable," Harry said.
"Cargo Bay 1 report," I said.
"The bay is clear," 7 said.
"They're powering weapons," Chakotay said.
"Shields to Maximum," I said.
"Why do they brother, They know we won't resist," Tom said.
"Protocol, Tom," I said.
"They're Hailing," Chakotay said.
"Gaharay Vessel prepare to be inspected, Crew members are instructed to step away from their stations," He said.
"We know the Drill," I said.
"Side arms and scanning equipment are to be set aside, Deviation from this or any other inspection protocol will not be tolerated," He said.
"All hand this is the Captain, Prepare to be boarded by Devore Inspection teams, Give them your full cooperation Let's get this over with," I said.
"Theirs soldiers have materialized Decks 15, 11, 4 and 1," Chakotay said.
As a symphony from Kathryn Music database played.
"Captain McCall Report to your ready room," he said.
"Commander you have the Bridge," I said.
Then went in.
"Good morning, Captain, I took the liberty of playing this music throughout your ship, I thought it might help your crew relax," He said. "Sometimes these inspections can be stressful,"
"Computer Pause music in this room," I said As the Computer did jus that. "Computer, access my Personal Music Database, Randomly play a song," As it happened to be The Last of Us Ending Theme. "Better,"
"I've replicated some coffee, Black as usual," He said.
"Black," I said.
"Prax here still refuses to try it," He said. "But then he's a man of few pleasures,"
"He lose," I said.
As my door open and Chloe came in.
"Hey kiddo," I said.
As Chloe just came over and hugged me.
"Captain, please make yourself at home," He said.
"Well, one get off my chair," I said.
"Why," He said.
"Don't make throw you off it," I said.
"Okay, Then, Here," He said. getting up and walking over and I brought Chloe and sat down.
Then Started to work on the hyperdrive.
"What are you doing," He said.
"Classified," I said.
"Must we do this," He said.
"This Tech is Classified for a reason," I said.
"Remarkable how old if this," He said.
"About 600 years," I said. "My Friends Grandfather gave it to her when she was a child," I said.
"It seems you have a long standing obsession with exploration Captain," He said. "I on the other have much more in common with this ancient Solider,"
"Classical Earth Period," I said.
"Your culture has man contradictions, Violence and beauty, Science and faith, All somehow mingled harmoniously," He said. "This Counterpoint of this music, Last of us, Am I correct,"
"Keep out of my database," I said.
"I've had time to review it since our last encounter," He said.
"Tell me, are all your inspections this personal," I said.
"I'm just trying to get to know you, captain, There's no reason for us to be adversaries," He said. "I could be your friend,"
"Really why is that," I said.
"Your predicament," He said. "I don't expect it's been easy, thousands of light years from home, navigating by strange stars, trespassing in other people's space, Ignoring their laws,"
"We're just trying to get home, Inspector," I said.
"Through the Devore Imperium," He said.
"To big to go around," I said.
"Still, most people make the effort," He said. "We don't exactly embrace outsiders,"
"Gaharay," I said.
"It means strangers," He said.
"Yeah, Use this ships name," I said.
"Which bring me to a matter that could threaten our friendship, I've examined your crew manifest from our last inspection, Commander Tuvok, Ensign Vorik Vulcans, Ensign's Suder and Jurot Betazoids, All telepaths, and et for some reason you neglected to mention them," He said.
"For a very simple reason, They're dead, Tuvok, Vorik and Jurot died in a shuttle crash about 2 months ago, Suder was Killed in a Conflict with a species called the Kazon," I said.
"That's fortunate," He said.
"The Next thing you say that about a member of my Crew, Who is Dead, I will rip your god damn throat out, Never disrespect a member of my crew again, Are the next time will be more unpresented," I said.
"There is one other matter," he said.
"Mention her at all and I will kill you," I said.
"Why," He said.
"That's my Daughter, Disrespect her, Then you got problems," I said.
"Captain do you trust me," He said.
"Not for one second," I said.
"Exactly, and why should you, Trust has to be earned, It's gradual, and yet it's the foundation of every relationship, Professional and Personal," He said. "It's also a concept alien to the telepathic races, Why take someone at their word when you can simply read their mind,"
"Your problem not mine," I said.
"We've completed our inspection, There are no telepaths aboard, However their sensor logs indicate they deviated from their assigned course on 2 occasions," Prax said.
"Ion storms," I said.
"Imperative 32, Codicil 626, All Gaharay vessels that deviate from prescribed flight vectors will be impounded their crew, detained and relocated," Prax said.
"Prax it's clear, The Captain didn't intend to break protocol, I expect we can overlook these infractions," he said.
"Sir," Prax said. "Yes, sir,"
"Captain, I'm a reasonable man and you've been cooperative but consider this a reminder, you have a long trip through Devore space, and good friends can be an asset," He said.
"I'll keep it in mind, Now if you don't mind we got a long way to go," I said.
As they left. As Chloe and I got to the Bridge.
"Report," I said.
"The Devore vessels are out of range," Tom said.
"Bridge to Transporter team you're clear," I said.
As Chloe and I got to Cargo bay 1.
"What's wrong," I said.
"We're unable to consolidate their patterns, They've been in suspension too long," 7 said.
"Harry, Increase power to the Imaging scanners," I said.
"Aye captain," Harry said. "It's working,"
"Dad," Clara said as We got them back. Coming over and hugged Chloe and Me.
"Nice work Harry, All our guest are present and accounted for," I said.
"Captain," Kir said.
"They're gone for now," I said.
XXX
"Captain's log Supplemental, After weeks of playing hide and seek with the Devore inspectors our goal is near, A transport vessel that will take our passengers to a wormhole leading out of hostile territory, End log." I said.
Then got to Sickbay.
"How my Girl," I said.
"I'm fine Dad," Clara said.
"Kir, We just received an encoded message from the transport vessel," I said.
"They've changed their rendezvous point again," Kir said.
"I'm afraid so," I said.
"Did they send the new coordinates," Kir said.
"We're still waiting for them," I said.
"Captain We may have another Problem," Tuvok said.
"I just treated Tuvok and 2 of the refugees for acute cellular degradation, I'm repaired most of the damage, But unfortunately the effect is cumulative," Doc said.
"Meaning," Kir said.
"If we continue to go into Transporter suspension, Some of us may not survive," Tuvok said.
"Bridge to Captain," Chakotay said.
"Go ahead," I said.
"We're receiving another transmission," Chakotay said.
"Acknowledged," I said.
As we got to Astrometrics.
"7," I said.
"The new coordinates are here, Within a Mutara Class, nebula, 2.36 lightyears from our current position," 7 said.
"It's definitely out of the way, less chance of being discovered, But it'll take 2 more days to get there," Chakotay said.
"2 days that increase the chances that we'll run into another inspection," I said.
"Given the frequency of patrols in that area, It's likely we'll be stopped at least once," Tuvok said.
"Just what the Doctor didn't order," I said, "Tuvok, 7, I want you to lay in a course that'll attract as little attention as possible, We'll avoid their colonies, Space stations, tourist attractions if they had any,"
XXX
The Klaxons went Red.
"Bridge to the Captain," Chakotay said.
"Go ahead," I said.
"We've got company," Chakotay said.
"Get our visitors to the Cargo bay," I said. "Stand by for transporter suspension,"
"Aye captain," Chakotay said.
"Neelix," I said.
As I got to the Bridge.
"Report," I said.
"It's a scout ship, one pilot, no other crew," Chakotay said.
"The vessel hasn't raised shields or charged weapons," Tom said.
"If this is another inspection, It's certainly a different approach," I said.
"We're being hailed," Harry said.
"Open a Channel." I said.
"Captain," he said.
"Inspector," I said.
"It's urgent that we speak," He said.
"You know the way to my ready room," I said.
As I headed in.
"It's all right Ensign," I said. "I submitted to your previous inspections because you outgunned me, But I don't see any of your warships nearby, I have no intention of cooperating,"
"I'm not here to search Voyager," He said.
"Then what do you want, Inspector," I said.
"Call me Kashyk, please," Kashyk said. "I never liked that title, In fact, I've left it behind,"
"Did somebody offer you a promotion or are you just having a bad day," I said.
"I'm deflecting and I need your help," Kashyk said.
"Me," I said.
"I've come to ask asylum safe passage out of Devore space before I end up in a detention center myself," Kashyk said.
"Now why would I risk the safety of my crew by harbouring a defector," I said.
"Because of what I'm about to tell you, If you continue on your present course, you'll be intercepted by a squadron of my warships, Voyager will be seized, your crew imprisoned or worse," Kashyk said. "The Nebula is a trap Captain, To catch vessel smuggling telepaths,"
"You've inspected my ship 3 times, You know we aren't smuggling telepaths or anyone else," I said.
"What I know is that you have 12 refugees aboard right now, that you rescued them from a freighter 3 weeks ago, and that you've been concealing them in cargo bay 1 using your transporters, I could have exposed them at any time But I wanted them to escape as much as you do," Kashyk said. "I can still protect them, But only if you take me with you, My people know about the wormhole, It's only a matter of time before they find it. You have no choice captain, I'm your only hope,"
XXX
"This is our rendezvous point, inside this nebula, Unfortunately the Transport Vessel we're supposed to meet is no longer there, Inspector," I said.
"A Devore Warship," Tuvok said.
"One of a dozen positioned through out the Nebula, All invisible to our sensors, Until Kashyk showed me how to compensate for their refractive shielding," I said.
"Your soldier intercepted the transport ship," 7 said.
"Over a week ago, We were the ones who changed the rendezvous coordinates," Kashyk said. "2 vessel carrying refugees, have already be seized Voyager would have been next,"
"Alright inspector, You helped us avoid this ambush what now," I said.
"We'll have to get your passengers to the wormhole on our own," Kashyk said. "These are the schedules and routes of our patrols, Along with tactical data on our shield and weapons configurations enough to ensure that you avoid another inspection,"
"How long before you're missed," I said.
"Well I took 2 weeks leave" Kashyk said. "Enough time I hope to find the wormhole, and get your passengers safely through it, and myself as well,"
"You data is useful, but it doesn't guarantee our success," Tuvok said.
"No for that, you'll need my guidance and some luck," Kashyk said.
"I'll have to take this up with the Brenari, see what they think of their new benefactor," I said. "I'll let you know what they decide, I'll have to insist you remain under guard, No hard feelings,"
"No hard feelings," Kashyk said.
"Tuvok," I said.
As we headed out.
"Something is not right here, Keep a close eye on him no matter what," I said.
"Aye captain," Tuvok said.
XXX
"It's unusual but not unheard of, There have been sympathizers before, Kashyk may be telling the truth," Kir said.
"Maybe you should just read his thoughts," Chakotay said.
"Devore soldiers undergo years of mental training to prevent that," Kir said.
"He might be telling the truth," Tuvok said. "But he also might be using us to find the wormhole,"
"Agreed," I said.
"So what do we do, Throw him into the Brig," Chakotay said.
"No, We take him up on his offer to help, see how it plays out, But I want round the clock security, We need to watch his every movement, Everything," I said. "That leaves us with our next question, How do we find the wormhole,"
"I've given it some thought, There's a scientist named Torat, He's from a nearby system He's rumoured to know more about the wormhole than anyone, He might help us for a price," Kir said.
"A price," I said.
"His species power their ships with a fluidic alloy that's difficult to find," Kir said.
"Perhaps we can replicate it," Tuvok said.
"I have some data on it's composition," Kir said.
"See what you can do," I said. "In the meantime we'll set a course for Torat's planet try to track him down,"
XXX
Kashyk has been in his quarters for some time.
"Captain's log, Supplemental, It's taken us nearly 2 days, But we've managed to locate Torat, The Man who's supposedly an expert on wormholes Unfortunately he seems reluctant to share his expertise, End log," I said.
"He's trying to evade us," Tom said.
"Hail him again," I said.
"Mr. Torat doesn't seem too trusting, Maybe he's been through one inspection too many," Chakotay said.
"No Response," Tuvok said. "He's deactivated his communications system,"
"I think I can tap into his computer override the lockout," Harry said.
"Do it," I said.
"Got it," Harry said.
"Go away," Torat said.
"This is Captain Scott McCall of the Federation starship Voyager, We have no hostile intent," I said.
"When why are you pursuing me?" Tarot said.
"We'd like to ask" I said.
"Federations, Imperium's, Why do you people feel such a need to align yourselves with monolithic organizations, hmm," Tarot said.
"I'd be glad to discuss that and any other philosophical issue you care to raise, if you would just slow down and talk," I said.
"Sorry, Can't do that," Torat said. "I'm late for a very important conference,"
"This is a waste of time, disable his ship," Kashyk said.
"That's what we call overkill inspector," I said. " Harry can we transport at this range,"
"Absolutely Energizing," Harry said.
"Welcome aboard, You reputation precedes you," I said.
XXX
"20 centiliters of mercurium isochromate, no impurities, and this is just a sample, We've synthesized enough to power your ship for a year," I said.
"It's doesn't matter," Torat said. "I never heard of this wormhole you're looking for Or these so called refugees,"
"Well, they've heard of you," I said.
"Well, no doubt my research is famous," Torat said.
"Thank of all the star you could research once you've infused your propulsion system with this," I said.
"There's no point in bribing me," Torat said.
"He's right, he couldn't help us if he wanted to," Kashyk said.
"What do you mean by that?" Torat said.
"I doubt you'd know a wormhole from a Dark Matter inversion," Kashyk said.
"Professor Kashyk is another expert I've retained to help us with this matter, I'm afraid he's not as impressed with your work as I am, In fact, He discouraged me form seeking you out," I said.
"Professor Kashyk, Never heard of you," Torat said.
"Not surprising," Kashyk said. "Considering you toil in scientific obscurity,"
"Obscurity, I've discovered over 60 astronomical phenomena" Torat said.
"Not worth the sensors they were recorded on" Kashyk said.
"Oh, Torat said.
"There's no need to insult the man," I said. "Just because he doesn't know how to find an interspatial, flexure,"
"Interspatial flexure, Why didn't you say so in the first place," Torat said. "He said wormhole, a layman's term that covers any number of phenomena, I am familiar with a certain anomaly that could be categorized as an interspatial flexure,"
"Where is it?" Kashyk said.
"Actually a better question would be, where is it now," Torat said. "It's really quite interesting, the aperture of the Phenomenon, Which I prefer to call an intermittent cyclical cortex is unfixed, It manifests infrequently, for only brief periods of time and in varying locations, I can give you the last 4 locations, Perhaps you can extrapolate the next one, If you're as accomplished a scientist as you claim to be,"
XXX
"Think," I said.
"I'm thinking," Kashyk said.
"Think harder, 4 wormholes appearances less than 20 light years apart there's no pattern," I said.
"Did you apply fractal coefficient," Kashyk said.
"Didn't work," I said.
"Neutrino flux parameters," Kashyk said.
"Didn't work," I said.
"Statistical algorithms," Kashyk said.
"Every one I could find," I said. "This wormhole defies analysis, Maybe Torat was right, We're just out of our league,"
"It's not like you to give up," Kashyk said. "Think harder,"
"How do you predict a random occurrence?" I said.
"You follow your instincts, Captain," Kashyk said.
"Counterpoint," I said. "It's in all great music, Parallel melodies playing against one another, We've been looking at the obvious frequency, location, timing but each of those parameters could have a counterpoint in subspace,"
"If we could run a algorithm based on subspace harmonics, It might reveal our pattern," Kashyk said.
"Computer Run a subspatial transkinetic analysis on the wormhole data," I said.
Analysis in progress," Computer said.
"This'll take a minute," I said.
"I'm going to miss this coffee of yours," Kashyk said.
"Well, I will give you the recipe," I said.
"Thank you," Kashyk said.
"You don't sound too happy about leaving," I said.
"The Brenari aren't about to embrace a former Inspector," Kashyk said, "I'll be feared, hated for what I represent,"
"Anxiety doesn't become you Inspector," I said. "Try to relax a little,"
"I suppose you liked me better in uniform," Kashyk said.
"I haven't decided whether I like you at all," I said.
"We call them the Kolyan Kolyar, Infinite spirals," Kashyk said.
"That's beautiful," I said.
"As a boy, I spent years gazing at these lights, this is the last time, I'll ever see them," Kashyk said.
"We have something similar back on Earth, The Northern Lights," I said.
"Which you too, may never see again," Kashyk said. "I suppose we're both refugees, in a way,"
"I'm still counting on getting this ship home, In my life time," I said.
"Are you sure you'll be welcome when you do," Kashyk said. "I came across something else in your database, The Prime Directive,"
"The Federation's Cardinal protocol," I said.
"It seems you violated it when you rescued these telepaths," Kashyk said.
"I go with my instincts, and sort it out later at the Board of Inquiry," I said. "Those Admirals and I were on first name basis, you know,"
"Ah," Kashyk said.
"You're risking a lot too, why," I said.
"3 months ago, My teams were inspecting a Plasma refining vessel, We found a family of telepaths hiding in one of the extraction tanks, There was a child too young, She'd been inside it for days barely able to breathe," Kashyk said. "When I lifted her out and set her down on the deck, she thanked me, I sent her to a relocation center with the others, Knowing full well what would happen to her, After that I could think of nothing else, and when I couldn't stand it any longer, You're my deliverance, Captain,"
"Analysis Complete," Computer said.
"Bingo," I said. "It looks like it'll appear in about 3 days, less than 8 light years from here,"
"The Tehara system," Kashyk said.
"That a problem," I said.
"There's an automated sensor array between here and Tehara," Kashyk said.
"Can we go around it," I said.
"We'd never make it in time," Kashyk said. "We'll have to find a way to avoid detection,
"Let's do it in the morning, We've done enough for tonight," I said.
As a security took Kashyk to his quarters and I went to my Quarter and fell asleep with Clara and Chloe snuggled in.
XXX
We were on the Bridge. As we were at Red alert.
"15 seconds," Tuvok said.
"Our power output is below the detection threshold," Kashyk said.
"10 seconds," Tuvok said. "5, 4, 3, 2, 1,"
"We weren't detected," Kashyk said.
"10 minutes and we'll be out of range," Tom said.
"Engineering to Bridge, We've got a problem," B'Elanna said.
"What is it?" I said.
"That pulse triggered a variance in the antimatter stream, It's not much but it'll light us up like a beacon when the next pulse hits," B'Elanna said.
"Options," I said.
"I can't correct it in time, So that leaves shutting down the core," B'Elanna said.
"DO it," I said.
"The array has released another pulse," Tuvok said.
"Time," I said
"28 seconds," Tuvok said. "20 seconds,"
"B'Elanna," I said.
"Almost there captain," B'Elanna said. "I'm having a problem with the injectors,"
"15 seconds," Tuvok said. "10 seconds, 4, 3, 2, 1,"
"We've been detected," Kashyk said. "The Array's Transmitting an alert,"
"Can we block it," I said.
"Negative," Tuvok said.
"Stand down Grey mode," I said. "B'Elanna Fire up the core, We're getting out of here,"
"Warships will be on their way, But we can still reach the wormhole," Kashyk said.
"If we can find it," I said.
"Tom how long to the Tehara System," I said,
"11 hours at Maximum warp," Tom said.
"Engines are back online," Harry said.
"Tom GO," I said.
XXX
"Using the model we developed, we were able to narrow down the location of the wormhole next appearance to a radius of 200,000 kilometers," 7 said.
"We can't determine it's exact position until we reach the system but we know it will open in roughly 6 hours," Kir said.
"And will remain open for 2 minutes at most," 7 said.
"I've devised a new shields modulation, Which should protect us against their weapons," Tuvok said.
"You're not planning to fight your way to the wormhole," Kashyk said.
"If I have to," I said.
"Bridge to Captain McCall," Tom said.
"Go ahead, Tom," I said.
"Long range sensors have picked up 2 Devore Warships heading right for us," Tom said.
"Time to intercept," Tuvok said.
"6 hours," Tom said.
"Take the Bridge I'll be in Engineering, Kashyk," I said.
"First we'll check those shield modifications, then we'll see if we can adjust our phasers to Penetrate the Devore shields," I said. "If torpedoes don't work I want an alternative,"
"Captain, We have to talk but not here," Kashyk said.
XXX
"I'm going back to rejoin the warships, It's the only way that I can guarantee your safety," Kashyk said.
"Kashyk," I said.
"I'm still a ranking officer," Kashyk said. "I can take command of the inspection teams, make sure the refugees aren't discovered,"
"You said yourself they're suspicious," I said. "Return now and you risk being caught,"
"I can keep them off track long enough to get you through the wormhole," Kashyk said.
"It's too dangerous," I said.
"Scott," Kashyk said.
"You asked for safe passage and I agreed, under the condition that you follow my orders," I said.
"You may stand a chance against one of our warships, but not against 2, If I stay, your best chance of escape will be lost," Kashyk said.
"I could confine you to quarters," I said. "I was planning on asking you to stay with us, once we got through the Wormhole,"
"Generous but, Something tells me I wouldn't fit in any better on Voyager," Kashyk said.
XXX
Once Kashyk launched.
We Got everyone off Voyager, I wasn't fooled for a minute.
After an hour.
"2 Devore Warships are approaching," Tuvok said.
"Red Alert," I said as the Klaxon went Red. "All hands to battle stations,"
"They're assuming a tactical formation," Chakotay said. "Shields"
"Raise them," I said. "Bridge to Transporter room, Status,"
"Ready Captain Pattern cohesion stable," Harry said.
"Cargo bay 1, report "I said.
"Clear," 7 said.
"Clara," I said.
"I'm in the Jumper and got it cloaked," Clara said.
"They're hailing," Chakotay said.
"On screen," I said.
"Gaharay vessel prepare to be," Prax said.
"We've been through 3 inspections, Please explain why another is necessary," I said.
"Crew member are instructed to step away from their stations, Side arms and scanning equipment are to be set aside, Deviation from this or any other inspection protocols will not be tolerated," Prax said.
"All hands, this is the Captain, Prepare to be boarded by Devore inspection teams, Give them your usual warm welcome," I said.
"Devore soldier have materialized on Deck 15, 12, 8, 4," Chakotay said.
"And 1," I said.
"Captain McCall report to your ready room," Kashyk said.
"Commander the Bridge is yours," I said.
As I went in.
"Captain," Kashyk said. "Good to see you again,"
"Like wise, your in my chair," I said "Computer cancel music selection in this room, And Access my Personal Database, and play a Random selection," As the Computer responded. With Pacific Rim "Better,"
"I'm afraid Prax isn't impressed, he's solely concerned with his work, Aren't you Prax," Kashyk said.
"As you say, sir," Prax said.
"Yes he's curious why you entered this sector, You're aware it's restricted," Kashyk said.
"We were planning to study a supernova remnant not far from here," I said.
"You strayed a full light year from your course in order to observe an astronomical phenomenon?" Kashyk said.
"We're explorers," I said.
"Yes I remember, I also remember warning you, about going where you don't belong," Kashyk said.
"Exploring can sometimes be hard to resist, Inspector," I said.
"Well its a romantic notion, captain but one I can't allow you to indulge," Kashyk said. "I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to leave out space immediately, Prax why don't you check on our teams while I reiterate our protocols for Captain McCall,"
As he left.
"Do they suspect anything," I said.
"Not yet, but our warships have been monitoring Voyager's movements for the past few days and mine as well, I don't think we have much time," Kashyk said. "The Brenari,"
"Safe they're in transporter suspension," I said.
"And the wormhole," Kashyk said.
"We found it, It's 20,000 kilometers off our port bow," I said. "We've determined that a photon torpedo, properly calibrated will force open the threshold long enough for Voyager to get through,"
"Congratulations, captain," Kashyk said. "For awhile I wasn't sure if even you could find it, Prax, Go to Cargo bay 1, you'll find the transporter patterns for more than a dozen telepaths, Rematerialize them,"
"Yes sir," Prax said.
"Impressive," I said. "You gave a masterful performance,"
"I'm the one who's impressed with your selflessness, your humanity, It made all this so much earlier," Kashyk said.
"Oh But what about your selflessness," I said. "That touching story about the little girl was that a fabrication too,"
"Oh that incident was real," Kashyk said. "What I didn't tell you was that after wrestling with my ethics, I realized that I'd done the right thing In order to protect my people from a very real threat, Please,"
As we went to the Bridge after they raised their weapons.
"Captain," Kashyk said.
"Nope That my seat Move," I said.
"No," Kashyk said.
"Fine," I said pushing him out of the way and sat down.
"Access their forwards sensor array, you should find neutrino emissions at roughly 20,000 kilometers off the port bow," Kashyk said. "On screen, Target 2 photon torpedoes, When the first one detonates, the wormhole will open, use the second one to destabilize it's subspace matrix, That will destroy it, Prax report,"
"I've isolated the bio patterns," Prax said.
"Fire," Kashyk said. "It should have detonated, Those aren't neutrino emissions, They're antimatter residue signatures, There's no wormhole here, You created false Readings,"
"That is the theme for this evening isn't it," I said.
"Prax do you have the Telepaths?" Kashyk said.
"I have cargo containers, Filled with vegetables," Prax said.
"Return to the Bridge," Kashyk said.
"Computer chance music selection Fast and Furious," I said. "Maybe this will help you relax,"
"Inspector we've completed our inventory of the vessel, 2 of their shuttle craft are missing," He said.
"They couldn't have gone far, Why didn't they appear on our long range Scans," Kashyk said. Of course, Adjust their scanners to compensate for refractive shielding,"
"Well you gave us the specifications," I said. "Seemed a shame to waste them"
"We've located the 2 shuttlecraft, Range 20 million kilometers," He said.
"Order our ships to pursue, Maximum speed," Kashyk said.
"The shuttles have disappeared from sensors," Prax said. "We've scanned for a wormhole, if there was on it's gone,"
"I'll order McCall and his crew removed," Prax said.
"Computer, Initiate Self destruct Sequence Authorization McCall Pi 100 Omega 47 Set it 10 minutes, Enable," I said.
"Self Destruct sequence has been initiated Warp core overload in 9 minutes 50 seconds," Computer said.
"I will not allow this ship to fall into enemy hands," I said
"You're dismissed," Kashyk said.
"Imperative 12, Codicil 6 requires," Prax said.
"To hell with protocol Prax, Do you think either of us will benefit form having this failure on our records As far as you're concerned this incident never occurred Make sure your team share that understanding," Kashyk said. "Well played, Captain, It seems I never did earn your trust,"
"I had to take a few precautions, Besides no one beats me at Poker," I said.
"Better than anyone," Kashyk said.
"My offer to take you with us was genuine and it would still stand of you'd kept your part of the Bargain," I said.
"Warning Self destruct has been Initiated Warp core overload in 8 minutes," Computer said.
"For what it's worth, You made a tempting offer, Would you mind disabling it The Bridge is yours " Kashyk said. and Left.
"Computer terminate Self Destruct Sequence authorization McCall Pi 110," I said.
"Confirmed Sequence Terminated," Computer said.
"Computer is all personal accounted for," I said.
"Affirmative," Computer said.
"And the Devore Teams," I said.
"All Devore Team has left the ship," Computer said.
"Computer Set a course for Earth, Maximum warp," I said.
"Course and speed set," Computer said.
"Engage," I said.
That's all for this chapter.
More to follow.
Stay tuned and safe.
Love Y'all
PEACE!